A food ethnography of the Otammari in north‐western Benin: A systematic approach

As part of a comprehensive study on coping with seasonal food insecurity, a food ethnographic study of the Otammari in the Atacora province of north‐western Benin was carried out, comprising elements of the food system such as supply, preservation, storage, preparation, distribution and consumption. Cultural norms and values concerning food (food habits) are described and compared with other studies on this population, dating from the 1950s.

Knowledge of the food system of a population provides essential information for a better understanding of the nature of nutritional problems. In this case it has led to understanding of the importance of early crops, especially fonio (hungry rice), and the economic and nutritional role of tree crops such as shea nuts and locust beans for populations coping with seasonal food insecurity.

Therefore it is argued that nutrition research or interventions should be preceded by a food ethnography of the population concerned. This paper develops a systematic approach for food ethnographic studies, comprising both anthropological and nutritional methodologies.

Key words:

• Ethnography
• food systems
• food patterns
• food habits
• methodology
• Benin
• Otammari
• anthropological studies
• Africa
• food security